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Archives and Records Management (ARM) specialization

The Archives and Records Management (ARM) specialization takes the best aspects of traditional archival teaching and research and applies them to novel problems of online access, digital preservation, and electronic records management. You'll learn from five internationally recognized faculty who teach in this specialization, four of whom are fellows of the Society of American Archivists.

Distinguishing features of the specialization include breadth (seven courses in ARM alone), emphasis on modern records and modern technology, and the combination of classroom instruction with practical engagement, providing opportunities for students to stretch the traditional boundaries of archival work.

What can I do with a career interest in archives and records management?

MSI graduates with an ARM specialization are experts in providing organization and accessibility to ever increasing amounts of new information that is created day to day along with vast stores of historical information from personal, educational, medical, legal, commercial, and government domains.

Employment Outlook: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2009-2010, "faster than average employment growth is expected in the field of Archives through the year 2016." Demand for archivists who specialize in records management will grow more rapidly than the demand for archivists who specialize in older media formats. Those with highly specialized training, such as a master's degree in library science with concentration in archives and records management, practical experience, and extensive technical skills, will have stronger employment prospects.

ARM internships

Students gain valuable experience in southeast Michigan and around the globe. Recent internship sites include:

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA)

Bentley Historical Library

Fashion Institute of Technology-Special Collections and Archive

Center for Research Libraries

Archives of Michigan

Library of Congress-Rare Books and Special Collections

University of Michigan Libraries

Artrain USA

Metropolitan Museum of Art

Smithsonian Institution Archives

Academic of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Herrick Library

National Baha’i Archives

Above, Jarrett Drake describes his experience interning with a community archive.

MSI-ARM employment outcomes

Organizations employing MSI-ARM graduates have included:

Brooklyn Historical Society

Houston Museum of Fine Arts

ProQuest Information and Learning

Congressional Research Service

The History Factory

Emory University-Library and Archives

Ford Motor Co- Records Management

Abbott Labs-Library and Records Management

University of Michigan Libraries

Internet Archive

Columbia University Library and Archives

Statistics New Zealand

ARM specialization requirements (current for 2015-2016)

In addition to the specialization requirements below, ARM students must meet all of the degree requirements of the 48-credit MSI program, including foundations, distributions, practical engagement, cognate, and electives.

For questions or more information about the ARM specialization, current students should contact Academic Advisor Sarah Argiero. Prospective students should contact our admissions office at umsi.admissions@umich.edu.